Ok, so update for all interested parties, particularly Allan and TriumphRod who were interested to buy prior to these shenanigans: Brakes were working after having been allowed to cool, could push down brake pedal again, and responsive, but I tried to avoid using them just in case. Drove to Chickity and Euron8's where Chris loosened the brake pedal again for me (now is loose as proverbial goose, or I guess approximately as loose as they were before the wof). Drove back to my house, where I intend to leave the car (i.e. not driving it anywhere) until it is sold. I'd assume that no major damage was done to the brakes as a result of this happening but could not guarantee that without someone jacking it up etc.
Back to square one!